Crutch



Oct. l, 1946. T. B. BRlcKsoN v GRUTCH Filed Nv. 22, 1944 s 'sheets-sheet 1 A THe/14456. EICKSO/Y F762 F/GJ Oct- 1, 1946. u T. B. ERICKSON `2,408,604

Y GRUTCH Filed Nov. 22, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 2` 3| 34V QJ zl I 44 r `I i -42 l llll l 39 w 2a' 2a- 27 23 2B ,36 33 /9 I l l. i.

26 .22 44 y:e5 V37 35 34 23 43 y 3l l I l l v /A/VENTOR THOMAS /CKSON y ocr. 1, '1946. T', B. BRICKSQN 2,408,604

CRUTCH l vFiled Nov. 22, 1944 s sheets-'sheet 3 ATToRNEYs Patented Oct. 1, .1946

UNITED sTATEs PATENT OFFICE i .Thomas B. Brickson, Hollywoodralif., as'sgiio'r to A1 R; Brooks, Los Angeles, Calif.

Appneetion November 22, 1944', serial N6. 564,565

17 Claims.

provements in crutches and more particularly to crutches of the foldable type.v g

Crutches as now commonly constructed are extremely awkward to handle at times, as, for eX- ample, when getting in and out of an automobile, because of their rigidity and length. Crutches of conventional design such as now in common use do not aiforcl rthe utmost in comfort to the individual using them, iirst, because the inherent design of such crutches makes it necessary that substantially the entire weight of the body to be carried thereon is usually; transmitted to the crutches through the muscles of the users arms; and secondly, their rigidity has a tendency to impart shocks and jolts to the body when walking, which may be very unpleasant-and tiring to theuser. i f

The novel crutch herein disclosed 'is the result of considerable development and experimental work in an endeavor to provide a crutch in which .I

all of the objectionable features now present in conventional crutchesrha've been entirelyV eliminated, and whereby a crutch is provided which offers the utmost in comfort and safety to the user. Its construction and shapev are'lsuch as to provide a resilient support for the body, and also whereby the major portion of the weight of the body which is carried on the crutches may be borne by the bones of the arms, in that the arms may be held substantially straight, whereas in a conventional crutch the rarms must be held in a more or less bowed or bent condition because of the construction of the upper portion of the Crutchwhereby the muscles of the arms must carry the major portion of the load.

The design'of the novel crutch herein disclosed, and the resiliency of the lower section thereof, is such that the crutch creates a springy action, when the weight of the body is imposed on the crutch and the user thrusts his body forwardly, as when walking, which hasA been found togreatly facilitate Awalking and also whereby theveffort of the patient or user to move about on the crutches is relatively less fatiguing than when using ordinary crutches. The upperI and lowersectionsl of the crutch are also pivotally connected together whereby'the upper section may conveniently be folded downwardly into a position adjacent to the lower section to` reduce the over-all length of the crutch for storage purposes, and whereby the crutch, whennin suchA folded condition, may be conveniently used as a cane, if desired.

An important object of the vpresent invention therefore is to provide 'a semi-.rigid crutch having suflicient resiliency thereinv to absorbshocksna-nd A .olts,l and by the useof which the operation of walking or moving about is much less fatiguing to the user.

. A further object is to provide a foldable crutch comprising upper and lower sections pivoted together intermediate the ends of the crutch, and the pivotal connection between said sections being so constructed that Iwhen in locked oroperative condition, the two crutch sections are securely locked together to provide in effect, a unitary crutchstructure, and means being provided in connection with said pivotal joint whereby the joint maybe quickly manipulated with one hand to permit the upper section of the crutch to be folded y downwardly `into inoperative position along-sideithe lower section, thereby to reduce the over-al1 length of the crutch for storage purposes, and also whereby the crutch may, if clesired, be used as acane. i

A further object isI to provide a crutch comprising upper and lower sections pivotally connected together andhaving a hand grip extending laterally therefrom and forminga part of the pivotal connection between the two crutch sections, and a portion of said grip beingv conveniently operablev by the' users hand to release' the pivotal connection between the two sections whereby the upper section may be *foldedy downwardly into inoperative position, and also whereby the 'upper section may be as quickly swung into its extended or operative position and secured in such position by the use of one handonly.

A further object is to provide a crutch comprising two sections joinedk together intermediate the ends of the crutch, and the upper section being disposed atan incline to the lower section whereby the weight is transmitted to the lower section ata slight angle to the axis thereof, thereby causingthe lower sectionsto slightly flex or yield each time the weight of the body is imposed thereon, with the result the crutch readily absorbs shocks and jolts which otherwise would be transmitted to the body of the usen, and .also whereby the effort of the user to walk is greatly facilitated as a result of thefspringy action of the crutch which assists-inthe forward movementof the body as Athe Auser liftshis foot` or feet off the ground to tion of each of said sections whereby each such.'A

section, is composed of telescoping members having means for rigidly lockingthem'in adjusted`V positions, whereby when the length of the upper' section of the crutch has been adjusted to the length of the users arms, and the combined adjustments of the upper and lower crutch sections have been made in Yaccordance with the users height, the crutch vsections maybe lockedto-A gether to provide in eiect a unitary one-piece structure of great strength and flexibility; and in the simple and inexpensive construction of the crutch as a whole whereby it may be manufactured in quantity production at small cost.

Other objects of the invention will appear from the following description and the accompanying drawings and will be pointed out in the annexed claims.

In the accompanying drawings there has been disclosed a structure designed to carry out the various objects of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is not conned to .lar member 4 may :be extended from the member v5 'to vary the over-all length of the section 2, as

will readily be understood by reference to Figures .l and.3. A suitable arm rest 6 is provided at the upper end of the tubular member 4, as is customary in the construction of crutches.

The tubular member 4 of the upper crutch section 2 is provided at its lower end portion with a plurality of spaced apertures 1, and a single aperture 8 is provided in the tubular member 5. Tosecure the two members together in adjusted position asuitable clamping screw, generally designated by the numeral 9, is received in the aperture 8 provided in the lower tubular member 5 andAin a selected aperture 'I in the upper tubular member 4.

The clamping screw 9 is shownv comprising two parts, a tapered plug portion II provided with a head I2 which may be engaged with a suitable "l washer I3 seated against the outer surface of the the exact features shown, as various changes may be made within the scope of the claims which follow.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side View ofthe crutch showing the angular arrangement betweenthe upper and tubular members I1 and I8 arranged in telescoping lower `sections thereof;

Figure 2 is a rear View of the crutch;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing the 'over-all length of the crutch reduced;

VFigure 4 is a View showing the upper section folded'into inoperative position and whereby the crutch may be utilized as a cane;

Figure 5 is a view showing the/upper crutch section detached whereby the lower section may be f,

used as a cane; l

Figure 6A is a partial v vertical center section of Figure 2, showing the pivotal connection between the upper and lower crutch sections;

Figure "I is a detail sectional View on the line I-'I of Figure 6, showing the pivotal joint re` 35' leased to permit folding of the upper section; j

Figure 8 is a view showing the upper crutch section swung to a position at substantially right angular relation to the lower crutch sectionv as when being swung from operative to inoperative position, and vice versa; i

Figure 9 is an enlarged detail sectional View on the line 9 9 of Figure 6, showing the means for locking together the tubular members of each of ,j

the upper and lower crutch sections;

Figure 10 is a view showing the crutch in use and illustrating the exibility of the lower crutch section when the weight of the body is imposed on the crutch;

Figure 11 is a View showing the load being re` moved from the crutch in the operation of walking; y y I Figure 1,2 is a view showing one of the crutches utilized asa cane; and K l Figure 13 isa View similar to Figure gl but showing a construction wherein the upper crutch sectubular member 5, and a screw I4. Thescrew I4 is received in threaded engagement with the plug I I and has a head I5 seated against a washer I6, similar to the washer I3 against which the head I2 is seated. By tightening the screw I4 the tubular sections 4 and 5 may be conveniently locked in adjusted position in a manner to provide a very rigid structure.

Thelower crutchvsectio'n is shown comprising relation in a manner similar to the members 4 and 5 of the upper crutch section 2. The tubular memberV I8 is telescoped within the tubular member I'I, and is provided with a plurality of splaced apertures I similar to the ones provided in the lower end of the tubular member 4. An aperture 8 is provided in the vtubular member I1 adapted to receive a similar clamping screw 9, and whereby the tubular members I1 and I8 may be locked to suit the length of the users legs. In other words, theY axial adjustment of the telescoping members 4 and I8 in their complemental members 5 and I'I, respectively, constitute an important feature of the present invention, as it provides means whereby the over-all length or height of the crutch may be conveniently varied to suit G5 persons varying greatly in height.

Another important feature of the present invention resides in the novel-means provided for plvotally connecting together the two crutch sections 2 and 3, whereby the upper crutch section may be folded into a position adjacent to the lower section 3, as shown in Figure 4, thereby to facilitate handlingV when getting into or out of a car,

and also whereby the crutch may be utilized as a cane whendesired, as shown in Figure 12.

` The means provided for thus pivotally connecting together the two lcrutch.v sectionsA is shown comprising a fitting I9, having abore therein forreceiving the upper end of the tubular member I'I ofthe lower crutch section 3. 'I'lieiittingL I9 is fixedly secured to the member If'I bylsuitable means, as, for example, "a pin 2|, whereby itibecomes in effect an integral part thereof. If desired, it may be welded thereto.

The' fitting I9 has a side face 22 arranged in parallel relation to the axis of the lower crutch section 3, as shown in Figure 6. The face 22 is flanked at opposite sides by spaced vertical flanges 23 having inner inclined faces 24, as best illustrated in Figure '7. A pivot pin or shaft 25 has one end fixed to the fitting I9, preferably by such means as screw threads as shown at 26, and a pin 27 may be provided for securing theV pivot pin 25 to the fitting I9-whereby it cannot accidently become loose therein.

A suitable handle portion 28r is shown provided with a hub or boss 29 bored to receive the lower end of the tubular member 5 of the upper crutch section 2 as best shown in Figure 6. The member 5 may be permanently secured-in the hub 29, but if desired it may be removably secured therein by a pin 39, whereby when the lower portion of Vthe crutch is to be utilized as a cane for an indenite period, the entire upper section 2 of the crutch may be detached, as shown in Figure 5. Thefaxis of the hub or boss 29 is preferably disposed at an angle to the vertical, wherebyr the axis of the upper crutch section 2 is disposed at an angle to the axis of the lower crutch section 3.

The handle portion 28has an enlarged head 3l at one end, the width of which is substantially equal to the width of the fitting I9, as best shown in Figure '7. The upright corners of the head 3i are beveled as shown at 32 in Figure '7, whereby when the upper crutch section 2 is in its extended or operative position as shown in Figure 6,` the shownfin Figure '7 to the position shown in Fig- 'f The spring 38', as hereinbefore stated, serves to constantly urge the head 3I lof the handle portion 28 into direct'fcontact with the inclined faces 24 ofthe lugs 23, but is prevented from so doing by a'relatively stiffer spring 43 received in a counterbore 44 provided in the opposite end of the handle portion 28, when'the knob 33 is in unlocking position, as shown in Figures '7 and 8. The spring 43 is coiled about the pivot pin 25 and is of such length that when the knob is in unlocking position, the spring 43 will slightly separate the 'head 3I from the face 22 of the fitting I9, against the tension of the relatively weaker spring 38, whereby the upper crutch section is free for limited pivotal movement'on the pivot pin 25,'as indicated by the dotted lines lin Figure 2`. When vthe knob 33 is rotated in a direction to lock th'e handle portion 28 against pivotal movement on the pivot pin 25, the spring 43 is slightly compressed between the face 22 of the fitting I9 and the bottom of the counterbore 44 in the head 3 I, as will be understood by reference to Figure 6. In Figure 6 it will be noted that both springs are compressed and the inner end of the knob 33 is engaged with the bottom of the counterbore 36 of the handle portion 28 to thereby securely clamp the handle portion 28 between the knob 33 and the faces 24 of the flanges 23 of the fitting I9.

The angle of the beveled faces 32 of the head 3! correspond to the angle of the beveled faces 24 of the flanges 23, and the parts are so proportioned that when th'e handle portion 28 is securely clamped between the knob 33 and the fitting I9, as shown in Figure 6, said inclined faces 24 and 32 will be engaged with one another whereby the end` facel 28 of the handle portion beveled corner 32 of the head 3l will seat against f the correspondingly beveled inner faces 24 of the anges 23, as will be understood. Y

To secure the upper crutch section 2 in its operative extended position, as shown in Figures 1, 2,3 and 6, a suitable hand or locking knob 33 is received in threaded` engagement with the' outer end portion 34 of the pivot 25. The knob 33 has a cylindrical end portion 35 adapted to be received in a counterbore 33 provided in the adjacent end of the handle portion 28, as illustrated in Figure 8. K

The handle portion 28 is shown having a relatively smaller *counterbore 37 adapted to receive asuitable spring 38 coiled'about the pivot .pinv 2,5 and having one end seated against the bottom of the counterbore 3l and its` oppositeend engaging the adjacent end of f the knob 33 whereby the spring constantly urges the head 3 I, of the handle portion 28 in a direction towards the face 22 of the fitting I9.

To prevent the inner cylindrical end portion 35 of the knob 33 from becoming completely disengaged from the counterbore 36, a suitable stop washer 39 is secured to thfe outer end of the pivot pin 25 by a suitable screw 4I. 'I'he washer 39 and screw 4I are shown received in a recess 42 provided in the end of the knob 33 whereby said washer and the head of the screw4| are substantiallyV concealed from View. The above construction eliminates any possibility of the user-getting a portion of his hand pinched between the h'andie portion 28 and the knob .33, whenl swingingv the upper crutch section from the position shown in Figure l to the position shown inv Figure 4, or

is slightly spaced from the face 22 of the fitting I9, as indicated at 48, thereby making it impossible for the handle portion 28 to relatively rotate on th'e pivot pin 25, when the upper crutch portion is locked in extended operative position, as shown in Figure 6. I

To permit the upper crutch section 2y to be folded into the position shown in Figure 4, the knob 33 is unscrewed to the position shown in Figure '7. When in this position it will be noted that the relatively stifferspring 43 has slightly elongated and outwardly moved the handle portion 28 ron the pin 25 against th'e tension of the relatively weaker spring 38, whereby the beveled faces 32 of the head 3I are out of engagement with the corresponding'beveled faces 24 of the flanges 23 of the tting I9. The relatively lighter spring 38 is under compression butbecause of the relatively stiifer tension of the spring 43 the handle portion Awill be free to slightly rotate upon th'e pivot pin 25 within the limits provided by the clearance between the beveled faces 24 and 32, as shown in Figure '7. Such slight pivotal movement of the upper crutch section 2 relative to the lower section 3 is provided as a warning to the user ofthe crutch that the pivotal connection between th'e two crutch sections has been released and that the user should therefore not attemptto use the crutch in the, conventional manneruntil the locking knob has been manipulated to firmly lock the handle portion 28 to the tting I9.

Tofold the upper crutch section into its inoperative position, shown in Figure 4, th'e user simply swings the upper section `about the axis of the'pivot pinu25 `whereby the beveledV flanges 23 will cooperate withthe beveled faces. 32 on the head 3| to relatively outwardly move the handle portion 28 on the pivot pin, as shown in Figure 8, against the compression of the relatively weaker spring 38. When th'e upper crutch section reaches its folded position, shown in Figure 4, the spring 3B will cause the handle portion 28 to assume its position between the flanges 23 of the fitting I9 with a snap action, whereby the upper crutch section 2 will be retained in substantially the position shown in Figure 4. If desired, the relatively stiier spring 43 may be omitted, as it serves only to partially separate the beveled faces between the head 3l and flanges of the fitting I9 thereby to warn the user of the unlocked condition of the pivotal connection between the upper and lower sections of the crutch, as hereinbefore described.

If th'e crutch'is'to be used as a cane, knob 33 is simply rotated in a direction to securely clamp the handle portion 23 between the knob andthe iiange faces 24 of the fitting I9, as hereinbefore stated, whereby the parts become in effect -an integral structure and the crutch may then be conveniently used as a cane, as shown in the right hand of the user in Figure 12.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the construction of the upper and lower sections 2 and 3 of the crutch, particularly the lower section, whereby said section may ilex within reasonable limits when the load of the users body is imposed on the crutch. Such flexing of the lower crutch section 3 has proven very effective to absorb shocks, and, moreover, it has been found to greatly facilitate the operation of walking, because the flexing of the lower crutch section tends to impart a forward thrust to the users body when he leans forwardly on the crutches to take a forward step, as will be understood by reference to Figures 10 and 11.

The crutch sections 2 and 3 may be conveniently and economically manufactured of any tubular material suitable for the purpose, which is relatively light in weight and has considerable resiliency whereby it may readily flex within certain limits under the load of the users body without any danger of collapsing.

Another important feature resides in the arrangement of the hand grip of the crutch composed by the handle portion 2B and locking knob 33 in conjunction with the single upper section 2 for supporting the arm rest 6. When using the novel crutch herein disclosed the user grips the handles of the crutches as shown in Figure 10, and holds his arms substantially straight, whereby substantially the entire weight of the users body, when he leans forwardly on the crutches as shown in Figure 10, may be transmitted to the hand grips of the crutches through the bony structure of the users arms, and not through the muscles thereof, as when using conventional crutches. Because of the crutch handles being offset from the axis of the lower crutch sections 3, said sections, because of their inherent resiliency, will eX usually in a forward direction, as indicated in Figure 10, thereby cushioning the users body against shocks. At the same time, as the users body is moved forwardly on the crutches, the springy action of the crutch sections 3 will impart a slight forward thrust of the users body, which it has been found greatly facilitates the operation of walking and also reduces fatigue.

In Figures l and 2 the crutch sections 2 and 3 are shown fully extended, whereas in AFigure 3 said sections are retracted to reduce-the length of the crutch. The longitudinal adjustment of the upper crutch section 2 is of utmost importance in that it permits the spacing between the arm rest 6 and the hand grip to be accurately adjusted to the length of each users arms. The additional adjustment in the lower crutch section also makes it possible to quickly adjust the lower portion of the crutch to the length of the users legs. In other words, by providing independent adjustments in the upper and lower crutch sections 2 and 3, respectively, the length of the crutch may be accurately adjusted to suit each individual case.

In Figure 5 the upper crutch section 2 has been'detached from the handle portion 28 to provide a relatively lighter weight cane than the scructure shown in Figure 4, which may be found desirable if the crutch is to be used as a cane for a considerable length of time. When thus used, the crutch handle provides a comfortable pistollike grip which may be conveniently grasped by the hand and provides ample room for all of the fingers of the users hand grasping the handle. If the crutch is to be used as a cane for short periods only, the upper crutch section 2 may be swung downwardly and locked in the position shown in Figure 4l, in which condition the crutch may be used as a cane as shown in Figure l2.

In Figure 13 there is shown a slightly modified construction wherein the upper crutch section 2 is shown disposed in parallel relation to the lower crutch section 3, but with its axis offset from the axis of the lower crutch section 3. When the upper section is so disposed with relation to the lower section, a small brace element 45 may be provided to firmly support the arm rest 6 upon the upper telescoping member 4 of the crutch section r2.

The novel crutch herein disclosed is practically indestructible, and the telescoping sections of the upper and lower crutch sections 2 and 3 may be constructed of standard stock material, such as light gauge seamless tubing which has great strength and resiliency and is extremely light in weight. The lower terminals of the tubular member I8 of theA lower crutch sections 3 are shown provided with the usual rubber tips 46, as is well known inthe art.

It will `be apparent to those skilled in the art that I have accomplished at least the principal objects of my invention, and it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments herein described may be variously changed and modied without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that the invention is capable of uses and has advantages not herein specifically described; hence it will be appreciated that the herein disclosed embodiments are illustrative only, and that my invention is not limited thereto.

I claim as my invention:

1. A crutch comprising an upper section and a lower section, a hand grip extending laterally from the connection between said sections, and said lower section being resilient and flexing in oneA direction under the weight imposed thereon by the users body, thereby to minimize shocks which may be transmitted through the crutch to the users body.

2. A crutch comprising an upper section and a lower section joined together intermediately of the ends of the crutch, a hand grip extending laterally fromthe connection between said sections, and the lower` section being capable of laterally flexing under the weight imposed thereon bythe users body. Y' n Y i 3. A crutch comprisingan upper'section and a lower section joinedtogether intermediately of the ends of the crutch, a hand gripextending laterally from'l theconnection between said sections, andsaid lower section being resilient and ilexing in one direction under the weight impose thereon by the'users body.

4. A crutch comprising an vupper sectionan-d a lower resilient Section joined together intermediately `of the ends of thecrutch; a hand grip extending laterally from the connection between said sections adapted tofbe grasped by the user, the load imposed on the crutch by the weight of the users body -being offset from'the axis of the lower crutch sectionwhereby' said lower section may partially iiex in one direction'under the load of the users-body and thereby cushion the load.'4 A l f 5. A" crutch comprising an upper section and a lower resilient'section joined together intermediately rof the ends of the crutch, a hand grip extending laterally from the connection between said sections adapted to be grasped by the user,

the load imposed on the crutch by the weight of the users body being oiset from the axis of the lower crutch section and causing said lower sec# tion to partially iiex in one direction under the load, and thereby impart a forward thrust to the users body each time the user steps forwardly with a portion of his weight imposed on the crutch.

6. A crutch comprising an upper section `and a lower resilient section joined together-intermediately of the ends of the crutch, a hand grip extending laterally from the connection between said sections adapted to be grasped by the user, the load imposed on the crutch by the weight of the user being offset from the axis of the lower crutch section and causing said section to partially flex in one direction, thereby to cushion said load, the offset relationship between said hand grip and the axis vof said resilient crutch section also imparting a forward thrust to the users body each time the user steps forwardly with a portion of his weight imposed on the crutch as a result of the resiliency of the lower crutch section.`

7. A crutch comprising an upper section" provided with an arm rest, a lower section, means for pivotally connecting the upper fend of the lower section to the lower end of the upper section whereby the upper section may be folded into a position adjacent to the lower section, athand grip embodied in said pivotal connection, means forming a portion of. vsaid hand grip and capable of being manipulated to lock saidpivotal connection against movement, and means in the upper section whereby the spacing between the arm rest and the hand grip may be varied to suit the length of the users arm.

8; A crutch comprising upper and lower sec--l tions, pivotally connected together whereby the upper section may be folded into a position adjacent to the lower section, a hand grip embodied in the pivotal connection between 'said sections, and means whereby each of said sections may be longitudinally adjusted to adapt the crutch for users of different heights and also whereby the length of the upper crutch section may be adjusted to the length of the users arm.

9. A crutch comprising an upper section and a lower tubular section, said lower section being composed of telescoping members whereby its over-all length may be varied to suit the heights of different users, means for locking said telescoping members in adjusted positions, means pivotally connecting together the upper and lower sections whereby the upper section may be folded into a position adjacent to the lower section, and a suitable hand grip embodied in said pivotal connection. f

10. AA crutch comprising an upper section and av lower tubular section, each of said sections being composed of telescoping members whereby the over-all length of each section may be independently varied tosuit the heights of different users, means for locking the telescoping members of each section in adjusted position, means pivotally connecting together said sections whereby the upper section may be folded into a position adjacent to the lower section, and a suitable hand grip embodied in said pivotal connection and laterally extending from the axis of the crutch.

1l. A crutch comprising an upper section and a lower tubular section, each of said sections being composed of telescoping members whereby the over-all lengthof each section may be independently varied to suit the heights of different users, means pivotally connecting together said sections whereby the upper section may be folded into a position vadjacent to the lower section, a

suitablevhand grip embodied in said pivotal c0r1,

nection and laterally extending from .the axis of the crutch, and `a conveniently operable locking device embodied in said handle for securing the upper crutch section in extended or folded condition, said locking device being readily operable with one hand.

12. A longitudinally adjustable crutch comprising ra lower section composed of telescoping members whereby the length of said section may be varied, means forvsecuring said telescoping members in adjusted position, a fitting secured to the upper end of said lower section vand having a pivot extending laterally therefrom, anl upper crutch section comprising telescoping members whereby the length of said section may be varied, means Vfor securing the tubular members of said upper section in adjusted position, a hand grip secured to the lower end of the upper section and laterally extendingr'therefrom, said hand grip having a bore therein for receiving said pivot, a locking device received in threaded engagement with `the outer end of said pivot and forming a V part of the hand group, said locking device being operable to secure the hand grip against relative pivotal movement on said pivot, and means v whereby when'said locking device is released, the

. crutch section.

upper crutch section maybe retained in operative or extended position, and may then be folded downwardly to a position adjacent to the lower v'13. A fold-able crutch Acomprising upper and lower sectionsa tting secured to the upper end of the lower section and providedV with spaced parallel iianges having inwardly facing beveled faces, a pivot pin secured to said tting between said flanges :and extending laterally from the axis of the lower crutch section, a handle portion secured .to the lower end of the upper crutch section and mounted for pivotal and limited axial movements on .the pivot pin, and a knob received in threaded engagement with the outer end of the pivot pin vand having one endadaptedA to engage the adjacent end of the,A handle portion, thereby to secure said handle portion in locking engagement with said anges to prevent relative rotation of .the handle portion on the pivot pin.

14. A foldable crutch comprising upper and lower sections, a tting secured to the upper end of the lower section and provided with spaced parallel flanges having inwardly facing beveled faces, a pivot pin secured to said tting between said flanges and extending laterally from the axis of the lower crutch section, a handle portion secured to the lower end of the upper crutch section `and mounted for pivotal and limited axial movements on the pivot pin, a knob received in threaded engagement with the pivot pin and having one end adapted to engage the adjacent end of the handle portion, thereby to secure said handle portion in locking engagement with said flanges to prevent relative rotation of the handle portion on theV pivot pin, and spring means associated With the pivot pin and the handle portion for constantly urging the handle portion in a direction .towards said flanges, whereby when the hand knob is manipulated to release the handle portion, said spring means will retain the handle portion in locking engagement with said flanges, but will permit the handle portion to Vbe relatively rotated on the pivot pin in the operation of folding the upper crutch section into a position adjacent to the lower crutch section, said flanges functioning to retain the upper crutch section in extended or folded positions and to accurately position the upper crutch section with respect to the lower crutch section when the upper crutch section is in extended operative position.

l5. A foldable crutch comprising upper and lower tubular sections, a fitting secured to the upper end of the lower section and provided with spaced parallel flanges disposed in parallel relation to the axis-of said lower crutch section, a pivot pin secured to said fitting between said anges and extending laterally from the axis of the lower crutch section, a handle portion secured to the lower end of the upper crutch section and mounted for pivotal and limited axial movements on the pivot pin, a relatively stiff spring mounted on said pivot pin between the tting and said handle portion, a locking knob received in threaded engagement with the outer end of the pivot pin and having one end adapted to engage the handle portion whereby the handle portion may be clamped in operative position between said flanges to secure the upper .crutch section in extended operative position, and a relatively weaker spring interposed between said locking knob and the adjacent end of the handle portion for constantly urging the handle portion against said flanges, said weaker spring serving to retain the handle portion in position between said anges when .the locking knob has been manipulated to facilitate folding the upper crutchsection'into inoperative position, and said stiffer spring serving only to disengage the handle portion from the beveled faces of said flanges, when the locking knob is in unlocking position, whereby .the upper crutch section will have limited pivotal movement to warn the user that the upper crutch section is not securely locked to the lower section.

16. A `foldable crutch comprising upper and lower sections, each composed of telescoping members for varying the over-all length of `the crutch, a fitting secured to 4the upper end of the lower crutch section and provided with spaced parallel flanges disposed in parallel relation to the axis of said lower crutch section, -a pivot pin secured to said fitting between said flanges and extending laterally from :the axis of said lower crutch section, a handle portion secured to the lower end of the upper crutch section and mounted for pivotal and limited axial movements on the pivot pin, a relatively stii spring mounted on said pivot pin between the tting and said handle portion, a locking knob received in threaded engagement with the outer end of the pivot pin and having one end adapted to engage the handle portion whereby the handle portion may be clamped in operative position between said flanges to secure the upper .crutch section in extended operative position, and a relatively weaker spring interposed between said locking knob and the adjacent end of the handle portion constantly urging the handle portion against said flanges, said weaker spring serving .to retain the handle portion in position between said ilanges when the locking knob has been manipulated to facilitate folding the upper crutch section into inoperative position, and said stiffer spring serving only to disengage the handle portion from the beveled faces of said flanges when the locking knob is in unlocking position, whereby the upper cru-tch section will have limited pivotal movement to warn the user that the upper crutch section is not securely locked to the lower section, and said weaker spring yielding to permit the upper crutch section to be swung to an inoperative position adjacent to the lower crutch section.

17. A crutch comprising an uppersection and a lower resilien-t section joined together intermediately of :the ends of the crutch, and a hand grip extending laterally from said sections, whereby the lower resilient section may flex in one direction when the weight of the users body is imposed on said handle.

- THOMAS Bf ERICKSON. 

